Parker Family Diaries

Parker Family Fun List 2012

2012-01-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I haven't blogged in months. I've been lacking the motivation to even take pictures lately. That is one of my goals for the year. This year we are focusing on building traditions as our own little family and growing closer together. Yesterday for FHE we sat down and made a list of all the things we want to do this year. This is going to be a GREAT year!

1. Read the Book of Mormon as a family.
2. Buy bikes for Mom & Dad and Go bike riding as a family
3. Visit family in Utah for Sage's baptism.
4. Sleepover with Grandma Mary.
5. Re-stain the deck
6. Go to Sea World and ride the Manta
7. Trampoline Sleepovers
8. Go camping
9. Go to the beach more
10. Clean out and organize the garage
11. Buy annual passes to Disneyland / California Adventure and surprise Sage for his birthday with a two day trip and then go back every other month.

Bucket List

2011-10-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to make a bucket list but could never decided exactly what I wanted it to include. I came across this contest and thought I'd give it try, in no particular order.

1. See all of the LDS church history sites in the United States

(Carthage Jail)

2. Take a trip with my kids to Hawaii to experience what their Grandma loved about it.

3. Take a family trip to Universal Studios Harry Potter Theme Park in Florida so I can let my inner Harry Potter nerd out.

4. While we're in Florida Take a Disney Cruise with the Family to Disney's private island Castaway Cay

5. Drive to Washington state and camp on the beaches and the Redwoods our whole way home to San Diego.

6. Spend a week in New York, see a different Broadway show each night and stay at the Waldorf Astoria

7. Eat this...

...Yes those are Krispy Kreme donuts. I would however take the

egg off and put on some yummy cheese.

8. Go to Ireland and stay in a castle

9. Go to London with my husband. I love the Royal Family!

10. Visit the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Vermont

11. Go whale watching again... this time with Dramamine.

12. Go on a hot air balloon ride

13. Go to Australia and visit the Sydney Opera House and Australia Zoo

14. Go to dinner with Alex O'Loughlin

15. Cook with Bobby Flay for a day.

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.

TLC Back to School Picnic

2011-09-20T17:11:00.000-07:00

Every year TLC Academy hosts a huge picnic to celebrate the start of a new school year. We talked about it the whole weekend before and both of the kids were so excited! There is a lot of pictures so I'll just let them speak for themselves.

We ended the day with some really yummy snow cones. We can't wait til next year.

Goop!

2011-09-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

For science last week we made goop. We gathered all of the ingredients and set to work.

Mix 2 parts water to 1 part borax, used 2 Tbsp. water and 1 Tbsp. Borax, stir and set aside. In a new bowl mix 1 Tbsp. Water and 1 Tbsp. white glue and 1-2 drops of desired food coloring.

We made green and blue goop and the kids played all week with it.

I love that it's a liquid and a solid and will even bounce when rolled into a ball, let it sit and it melts in a pile of goop.

Lunch Date

2011-09-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Every now and then Aurora and I sneak away for a girls lunch date. She always picks Souplantation. She starts with a salad of cheese, pasta, croutons and ranch she then moves on to mac&cheese and pizza and then some chocolate ice cream with chocolate sprinkles. Oh, and she always steals my Strawberry Lemonade. I love this crazy little girl so much!

She always insists that we take a picture at the end of every adventure we have together.

She loves to give kisses and loves every chance she gets.

States & Planets

2011-09-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today we started our day like we do everyday. We go out on our deck where our flag is flying and we say the Pledge of Allegiance then we go in and learn about U.S. Geography. Today we learned about New Jersey.

Sage loves crossword puzzles so I was lucky to find a great website that has puzzles with cities in that state

Lately, Sage has been obsessed with outer space so we made a planet display and started learning about the Sun.

We talked about what the sun is made of and how it creates shadows. went out in the driveway and traced the kids shadows.

All in all it was a great day. Homeschool is GREAT!

Chemical Reactions

2011-09-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sage is obsessed with Science so I came up with this super easy science lesson about chemical reactions.

What you need:

glass pan

milk

food coloring

dish soap

toothpick

We poured milk into the pan and put some dish soap in a cup.

We then put a few drops of food coloring in the milk. Next, take the toothpick and dip it in the dish soap and then touch the middles of each food coloring area with the soap and watch what happens.

Sage informed me that this was the best science experiment ever! Homeschool is GREAT!

First Day of School

2011-09-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

It's HERE! The first day of school has been talked about non-stop for the last two weeks. The kids have been so excited and loved going in the learning room and checking out all the cool things that they'll get to use for school.

Of course we had to do the required first day pictures.

Sage Landon, Age 7

Aurora Janell Isabelle, Age 4 1/2

***Edited***

The day started at 6am for me so I could get all of my chores done before the kids woke up. The kids got up at 7 got dressed and made their beds, had breakfast and then brushed their teeth and did their morning chores. At 8 they read books to each other for 30 minutes, then our school day started with the pledge of allegiance and calendar/weather charting for Aurora then we started on math since that is Sage's least favorite subject. We then wrote a rough draft letter to their AIM TLC teachers telling them about themselves, we finished reading THE CHOCOLATE TOUCH for his poster book report that he'll do tomorrow. We wrote in our journals about our favorite gift that we have ever received, for social studies we learned about Delaware and George Washington and then read a book about the American Flag and what it means to different people then we ended our day with art where we all made our own flags. We were done by 10:30, now that's my kind of school.

It is nice that Sage can work somewhat independently so I can do Pre-K lessons with Aurora and Gabby. We then watched a video the very first American Flag made by Betsy Ross and then took Gabby to her Preschool class and then Sage, Aurora and I celebrated an awesome first day of school with McDonald's. We had 2 hours of Mommy/Kid time which was fabulous then off we went to pick up the girls from School and Preschool and now we are relaxing and enjoying each other. Homeschool is GREAT!

First Day of School Eve

2011-09-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

The first weeks lessons have been planned down the the tiniest detail. Breakfasts have been prepped, lunch menu's are ready. The learning room has been finished(well... not quite yet). Schedules have been made and the kids are ecstatic and cannot wait to start school!

I feel very strongly that this is what I was meant to do. I was once told in a blessing that I would teach my children in my home. I just never thought it meant I'd actually teach, teach them. I am jumping feet first into this new life for our family and we are all determined to make learning fun.

Our School Room - Part 2

2011-08-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

I think I'm finally happy with the school room. YAY! All that's missing is a white board which will go on the empty wall in picture below.

Preschool Charts and our map of the United States. The yellow tote holds frequently used supplies such as pencils, markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue, scissors and rulers. The table is our old kitchen table and the chairs are from IKEA

Here's a view of the closet that holds a dresser with our extra craft and misc. supplies and a little desk with our pet hamster Squishy. Then there's the circle time area for preschool with Aurora.

Of course we have to double up and use this room as a guest room as well, especially since we have a variety of people spending the night at least 2-3 times each month. The bed doubles as a reading area. I still need some art for the wall.

Here' are our bookcases with leveled readers, educational books that go with our curriculum and manipulative's, as well as out nature shelf to display the things we find on our days out.

One Year Ago...

2011-08-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

...today my Mother's body left this world and her Spirit moved on. It's times like this that I really appreciate the Atonement and I'm so glad that I have the knowledge that I will see her again.

I went months without dreaming about her but in January of this year the dreams started and they pick up right where the last one left off, It has brought me so much comfort. The last year has been the most difficult time of my life, but I am happy to report that I have come a very long way in the last month and I look forward to what my future holds. I know that my Mom is here with me, cheering me on and comforting me and my family.

{this was taken 9 days before her death}

I am grateful for the example she set and while it is almost impossible to live up to, I am doing my best to make her proud. A few weeks after her passing I received a letter from her dear friends Terry and Belann Earley which said:

Joseph Smith said that women generally have by nature, generosity and largeness of soul. That is what I think when I consider my time with Maxine. She is the acme of that characterization.

I think of my 3 oldest girls who still, after 15 years have (and use) the quilts that Maxine tied for them when they were married.

I think of Kira, whose first car immediately blew its radiator, so Maxine and Sid quietly arranged for a replacement when we could not.

I think of the many times she would not come out of the kitchen to be recognized, but would work herself to exhaustion serving and cleaning up at countless events. Her car was always the first at the kitchen door and the last to leave.

I remember two daughters, sharing a wedding reception when we had no funds at all to pay, Maxine stretching our meager $700 to make it a memorable affair. Those decorations had been used dozens of times before and dozens of times since.

I remember that every single conversation we had when she served as our ward Relief Society president ended with her question, “Now Bishop, what can I do for you?”

As I sat through her services Monday, I looked around and realized that every single person in that room had been served in some way by her. That is why they were all there, to honor her.

How can a family or a ward replace such a woman? I am afraid we cannot. She is truly one in a million. The question is, could we be just a little more untiring as servants to others because she touched our lives?

Finally, when I read Revelation 7:13-17, I always think of my friend, Maxine, who now serves on the other side of the veil as her Savior smiles on her continuing efforts.

13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

We have a lot planned today to honor her and I'll post pictures later.

Our School Room - Part 1

2011-08-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

We recently got our school room partially finished. It is by no means complete and I'm sure it will evolve a lot in the coming months.

The Social Studies wall

The Preschool wall

The work table

The reading nook/guest bed

Book cases with books, supplies and nature display

School Room Prep - IKEA sytle

2011-08-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

We are busy prepping for school and so to mentally prepare myself I went to IKEA for some inspiration and came home with some great items to get me started.

I picked up some of these chair pads and this hot pink and a bright blue

I am in love with these chairs and they fold for flat storage when we have company since our school room is also our guest room.

And of course no school room is complete without an easel.

I am still getting everything together and when it's all done I'll share the pictures.

AIM Program

2011-07-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

Good news! Sage was accepted into the AIM program at TLC. He'll be attending school with 9 other 2nd graders two days a week where he will do all of his work except for Physical Education and Social Studies which he will do at home the other 3 days. It's the best of both worlds and I am so excited and really look forward to seeing Sage grow because of this.

Happy 7th!

2011-07-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the little man who stole my heart seven years ago today! Sage is the most amazing kid ever. He is loving and kind and is my little cuddle bug. I'm not sure how much longer it will last so I am taking full advantage of it now. Here are seven things that we love about him.

1. How loving he is.
2. His fabulous imagination.
3. His warped sense of humor that he gets from his Grandma & Mom.
4. The fact that he mentions his Grandma & Hayden every night in his prayers.
5. He almost always will play whatever Aurora wants him to play.
6. He loves helping Daddy fix things.
7. How excited he gets over the littlest of things, he really loves to laugh.

We love you Sage with all of our hearts.

Love- Mom, Dad & Aurora

Lava Fossils

2011-07-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

We made fossils last week and we are just now getting around to painting them so they looked like cooled lava. We learned about Mt. Vesuvius and and how it destroyed and preserved the ancient civilization of Pompeii, Italy.

{dinosaur and leaf fossils}

The kids for once are taking a real interest in learning and I couldn't be happier. They are responding better than I thought they would to the Homeschool lifestyle.

Summer Fun

2011-07-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has been a month since I last posted anything. It has been a crazy busy summer and I just haven't had the energy to post at the end of the day. Sage, Aurora and the daycare kids have been keeping me busy and tiring me out so I've been going to bed as soon as dinner is over.

We are all very excited about the new direction our family is headed and can't wait for school to start in September and look forward to implementing the homeschool lifestyle in our home.

Baking Soda Experiments

2011-06-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

We decided as a family that even though it was Summer Vacation that we would still learn and prove to the kids that learning can be tons of fun. A few weeks ago we were watching television as a family and there was this idea for making a baking soda volcano with your kids. Sage was mesmerized by the idea and we finally got around to it today.

We started with making colored "lava" in small cups so each kid could get a chance to do it on their own.

Sage did green

Aurora did red

Gabby did yellow

and Sage did the blue for me since I was taking pictures.

We then decided to make a bigger volcano

Sage and the girls had a great time learning about volcanoes and lava. We ended the day watching a video of a volcano erupting.

Next week we are going to learn more about Mt. Vesuvius and fossils.

Second Grade Curriculum

2011-05-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

I've been doing some research and on Wednesday I meet with my EP(educational partner) to order the curriculum I've chosen for the kids this next school year. I am so excited!

Grammar

Writing

Social Studies

Math

Reading/Phonics

Science

Spelling

Phone Calls

2011-05-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

When School starts in September I will not be answering the phone until 4pm. I will not have time to talk while doing school with the kids and while the daycare kids are all at school I want to enjoy my kids and not have any distractions from them. I ask that you leave a message and I'll call you back at the end of the day. If it is an EMERGENCY call my cell phone.

Changes...

2011-05-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Our life this past year has been full of changes. Some good and some not so good. We now have our own home but it didn't happen the way I hoped it would. I would gladly trade it if I could have my Mom back with us. Our home has changed in it's appearance and while I miss certain things about the way my Mom had it, I am enjoying making it my own. It is because of these changes that I now have the courage to do what Robert and I have always wanted to do and what we and my Mom knew was best for our children. Because of my Mother's belief in me to home school our children I now know that it is what my family was meant to do.

This last year has been one of personal growth and combined with losing Hayden and my Mom I have become a stronger woman, while I have suffered through some horrible depression I am learning that all that matters is me, my husband and children. I am only required to take care of them and everything and everyone will just have to deal with the fact that I cannot take care of them too. While I want to be like my Mother, I will NOT let what happened to her happen to me. I will overcome this depression and not let others bring me down. I no longer have room for negativity in my life and will not tolerate anyone who tries to bring it into my life. I am worth loving and being taken care of and no one will ever make me feel different.

Schedule

2011-05-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

I know that it will most likely need to be changed and it is flexible in case one subject doesn't take as long and one takes a little longer depending on the lesson or day but it does give me a schedule to go by so we can stay on track since not only will we be homeschooling but I also do daycare out of our home.
7:30 - Wake Up / Breakfast / Dressed
8:00 - Pledge
8:10 - Math
8:30 - Reading & Phonics
8:50 - Writing
9:10 - Grammar
9:30 - Snack Break
9:40 - Spelling & Vocabulary
10:00 - Handwriting
10.20 - Socila Studies
10:40 - Science
11:00 - Lunch
11:45 - Daycare kids to Preschool
12:00 - Family Time
3:00 - Pick up daycare kids from school

It's Offical...

2011-05-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

We are now a Home Schooling family! We are so excited for this new step in our lives and can't wait to see how much our family grows and changes for the better.

You may think that we are insane for doing this but rest assured we aren't one of those families that gives Home Schooled kids a bad name. We have a schedule all set up and the help of an amazing Charter School who will provide all the of materials that we could ever need. We will use the same text books and lesson plans that public schools use but we will do it at home where the kids can get one on one attention instead of having to fight for the teachers attention with 30 other kids. We are also converting our guestroom/ toy room into a school room/guestroom. The kids are excited to learn and grow and I can't wait to help them grow and learn.

We are now TLC Jaguars!

Gratitude

2011-05-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for so many things. I have an amazing husband and 4 amazing children. I have the Gospel in my life which allows me to know that I will see my first two children and my Mother again. I am the daughter of an amazing woman who taught me how to be a mother and wife and taught me compassion and love for everyone. I am a lot like her in many ways and I am so proud of that. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, clothes to wear, a running vehicle and other things that I am blessed to have. I have an amazing calling that allows me to serve at the San Diego Temple every month. I have friends who love and support me and most importantly an Eternal Marriage to an amazing man who honors his Priesthood and loves me and his children with all his heart.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

2011-04-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Happy 17th Birthday Lydia! We love you much are beyond blessed to have you in our family. I can't believe how old you are, I still see you as my little Sunbeam.

I love you because you are an amazing daughter of God who freakishly reminds me of me when I was your age. Robert loves you because you are a strong girl with an amazing sense of humor and a strong testimony of the gospel and the importance of it in your life. Sage loves you because your so gorgeous and you used to read to him when he was little. Aurora loves you because you are her big sister and you sing songs and dance with her.

We hope you have a great day Lydia and always remember that you will forever be a part of our family. LOVE YOU TONS!

I know, I know.....

2011-04-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a major slacker. I've been meaning to post but when I sit down to do it I just get depressed and overwhelmed and don't know where to start. Instead of doing individual posts I'm just gonna do one big picture crazy post.

Aurora started Ballet/Tap lessons in January and is loving them. Her first performance is in 3 weeks at a National Dance Week promotion. Her recital will be in June and then in July they are performing at the Fair in Del Mar. She has great rhythm and I'm hoping that she gets it from me and my show choir days.

Sage lost his second tooth by his own hands. It had been loose for a few weeks and he got sick of it so he picked up a weight and hit himself in the mouth and out it came.

Sage has also been doing gymnastics for almost a year and he's becoming quite the muscle man. Since this is an activity he shares with his Dad and his Dad keeps forgetting the camera I have no pictures to show. I have been a few times and of course I also forgot the camera. Hopefully this week we'll remember.

Aurora and I had a few days to ourselves while Sage was at school so we had tea parties with the tea set I bought when she was born so we could do this exact thing. I remember doing it with my Mom when I was her age and I only wish that we would have started it sooner so she could have done one with us. I'm thinking about taking Aurora to the cemetery to have a tea party with Grandma.

New Toy

2011-02-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

I'm learning to use my new toy, an iPod touch. It's quite a lot of fun and the kids are even better at it than I am. I though I was pretty computer smart but Sage and Aurora are genius' and know how to do almost everything.

9 Years Later...

2011-02-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

...and I'm still madly in love with Robert. We've been through an awful lot in the last 9 years dare I say more than most people. We've had 4 children and mourned two of them. We've had personal struggles and have said goodbye to my Mother all within the last 9 years, but we've come out of it stronger than ever and more united than I thought two people could ever be. He inspires me to be better, he supports and carries me when I don't have enough strength or courage to go on.

He loves me for who I am and has never once tried to change me. He puts up with my attitude and lets me be who I am. I love him more now than I did the day I married him. He is my best friend and the best part about him is that he loved my Mother like she was his.

The Worst

2011-02-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

If there was an award for the Worst Blogger I would totally get it. The last 5 1/2 months I've been really lazy about it. To motivate myself I'm posting about all the things I need to Blog about .

* My Mom's Funeral
* Thanksgiving
* Christmas
* Sage's Gymnastics
* Aurora's Ballet/Tap Classes
* My adorably perfect Nieces
* Home improvement projects.

Hopefully I can get it in gear this weekend.

Wiggle it Like This!

2011-01-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

Sage has a new and fabulous smile. He's so excited about it and keeps showing it to us. It's been loose for months and after much wiggling thanks to Lydia it's finally out. We were prepared to use pliers since his teeth are so tiny and slippery but Lydia finally got it out. He is very excited for the tooth fairy to come!

Christmas

2010-12-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas was definitely bitter-sweet this year. The kids got everything they wanted which luckily wasn't too much. I love my kids so much it was great to see them so happy. We got up at 7 and opened presents and then got dressed and went to breakfast and then just hung out the rest of the day and played with all of the new toys and goodies we got.

Christmas Lights

2010-12-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

We went to see lights tonight as a family. I of course forgot the camera again but I wanted to write down some thoughts while they were freash in my head.

This time of year always makes me feel grateful for my family and especially those who have already passed on. This weekend I have felt Hayden and my Mom so close to me. I have come to love my family even more than I thought possible even my adopted family and children. There is one person in particular that I have come to love more than I think they will ever know. I would do anything for this person and I consider them one of my children.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

This year was lots of fun. I didn't really feel like making it a family holiday so we invited our friends The Riddle's over for the day. They have been so amazing and have become our family. We had so much good food and a great time being together. I think that we'll continue to celebrate it this way from now on.

Like Grandma, Like Grandaughter

2010-11-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

Last month I walked into the kitchen after cleaning the bedrooms and found this

Aurora used to sit with her Grandma and eat BBQ chips with sour cream. We were out of chips and she decided that just the sour cream was fine with her.

Happy Holidays

2010-11-11T11:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween

2010-11-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

This year was the best Halloween ever! Sage and Aurora are seriously the best kids I could have asked for. We took them to a neighborhood over by Robert's work this year and they had a blast! The best part of the night was Aurora opening one the front doors mail slot and asking if anyone was home because she really wanted some candy. Sage was funny too, a few houses after Aurora's comedic moment Sage knocked on the door louder than he should have and said "Come on.... I need some candy!" I was so embarrassed but the home owners thought it was funny.

Their costumes this year were perfect and totally fit their personalities.

Just Like Dad

2010-10-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

I snapped this picture yesterday afternoon. Sage is so much like his Dad that not even he can deny it.

Fall Festival

2010-10-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Fall Festival at Sage's School. I remember attending his School's Carnival every Halloween as a kid and it's sad that it's just not the same as it was then. I guess it has to do with a lack of parent participation in his school, so sad. Robert and Lydia took the kids around to all the booths while I helped out in one for an hour. It was fun and I'm glad that the kids enjoyed it.

Hopefully next year Aurora won't fall and skin her forehead and knees while playing hopscotch with Gabby.

Jumpin' Good Fun

2010-10-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was Gabby's Birthday. Becky rented a Jumper, so I took Gabs, Rora and Jess over and we spent the entire day jumping and being silly.

I caught some video of the girls being spazzy.

Eat Mor Chikin

2010-10-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night Sage and I headed out for some alone time. It was great to get away with my boy so he could have me 100% to himself. Our local Chick-fil-a was having a Mother/Son Date Night so Sage and I decided to take advantage of it.

We arrived and checked in and waited for our friends Marissa & Keenan who joined us. We were shown to our table where a menu and our names were waiting at a table for all four of us. The boys played games and did some art while we ate. It was so nice to be waited on for a change. After dinner we had some Ice Cream and played some games where Sage won a FREE Breakfast and a Chick-fil-a Baseball.

Why I Believe

2010-10-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

This is perfect.

Grieving

2010-10-16T14:31:00.001-07:00

Today has been one of those days that really makes you think. It hit me today that everyone really does grieve differently.

After the devastating loss of my Mother I find myself bring stronger than I ever thought I could be. It's amazing how well I'm doing actually, given my depression and other death issues. It it still a struggle to get up every morning and convince myself to be a mother and a wife. It takes making a chore list like a kid has for me to get household stuff taken care of, but I am coping the only way I know how. Others who shall remain nameless are moving way too fast through the grieving process for my liking. My Mom was and is the most amazing woman I have ever known and I don't uunderstand how people can just move on so fast.

It really hurts to know that people are already forgetting her. My goal for my children is that they never forget her.

Sea World

2010-10-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

We've really had a great time with Jessica being on Fall Break. Today we went to Sea World so see some animals, ride a few rides and play some games. While we were checking out the Polar Bears we were lucky enough to catch this on video:

The girls even played a game where all three of them won a huge dolphin. After Sea World we headed to Souplantation for lunch before picking up Savannah and Sage.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

2010-10-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after school I took all the kids out to Oma's Pumpkin Patch. I hadn't been there since High School and while it wasn't exactly like I remembered and some things had changed it was still a great afternoon.

We started out in the Hay Bale Maze and lots of fun getting lost and then finding our way out a couple of times. Then we took so silly pictures and practiced milking cows. Next, we headed over to Cotton Seed Hill and slid down so many times that I lost count.

We also went on a tractor ride where we got to see goats, donkey's, ducks and cow's. We also got to see the new baby heifer cow that was born the night before. The down side is that it was so stinky or as Gabby said "Cow's are yummy and stinky!" Before we left we made sure that each of the kids got a pumpkin, it was definitely a lot of fun and I'm sure we'll go back again before fall is over.

Haunted House

2010-10-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

In our house whenever Sage gets 100% on a test we take him out for Ice Cream, but this weekend instead of ice cream he wanted to get this Haunted House Gingerbread Kit he saw at Sam's Club.

We went home and cracked it open. I put the house together but then he decorated it or told me what he wanted me to do. He was so proud of his Halloween House!

Stuffing Cupcakes W/ Cranberry Frosting

2010-10-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

I had these amazing Stuffing Cupcakes at my friend Marissa's house yesterday and I enjoyed them so much that on my way home from her house I stopped at the Grocery Store and picked up the ingreadients so I could make some to go with dinner today. I tweaked the recipe a little bit, because I'm a picky eater. I guarantee that like me, after eating these you'll be in the mood for Thanksgiving.
Stuffing Cupcakes
2 boxes of Stove Top Cornbread Stuffing mix
2 Eggs
1/2 C. Milk
10 Sauage Links {cooked and sliced}
1/2 C. Flour
2 C. Water
1/2 Red Bell Pepper, Chopped {optional}
1/2 White Onion, Chopped {optional}
1 Stalk of Celery, Chopped {optional}
1 Can of Turkey Gravy or homemade gravy
1 Can of Cranberry Sauce

Mix eggs and milk together and set aside. In large bowl combine stuffing mix, sausage links, flour, and the veggies if desired, then add egg and water mixture. Scoop into greased miffun tins and bake at 350* degrees for 45 minutes. You may have to loosen them with a knife so they don't fall apart when you take them out of the pans. Yield 14.

While the cupcakes are baking heat gravy and cranberry sauce in seperate pans until thinned out. When the cupcakes are finished top them with the thinned out Cranberry Sauce{frosting} and then serve on top of a little gravy.

These were SO good! I'm not a fan of those particular veggies so I left them out. I was skeptical at first because of the cranberry sauce but oh my Goodness, they were AMAZING!

Conference Fun

2010-10-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

*EDITED

I've been really struggling lately with how to help my kids enjoy conference and at least be quiet so I can listen. I think I found the answer.

Conference Packets with activities to keep them busy and a rotating gospel snack tray. When the kids hear someone say they words above the snacks they get one of those snacks. My kids LOVE snack food so I really think this will work.

I'll get back to you after Conference to let you know how it went.

It worked like a charm! We'll defintely do this every time. They paid attention and were actually quiet.

Memories of Maxine: Balloons

2010-10-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

Memories of Maxine: Balloons: "We decided to get balloons every year on Grandma's Birthday and write messages on them for her. It really helps the kids understand and rem..."

Safety First

2010-09-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Over the last 3 1/2 weeks Aurora has been obsessed with Sage's helmet and has been begging for one of her own. I plan on getting her one but not until Christmas when she gets her first bike.

She has also been obsessed with my car accident that I got in last month. Yesterday when we went to get Sage and Savannah from school, she said...

" Momma, I'm gonna bring Sage's helmet for me to wear so if you crash again I won't get hurt."

At first I was a little irritated, after all It's not like I go around getting in accidents, in fact I've never been in one that was my fault except for this one and I've never gotten a ticket, so I think I'm a pretty great driver. But then I realized that she had one of her little mischievous grins on her face and then she started laughing and said...

"Momma, don't be sad. I'm just being a doofus."

We all started laughing, after all like she said she was just being a doofus.

* In our family, Doofus is not a derogatory term, It's a funny thing to say.

Ice Cream Bowl

2010-09-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

A few years ago when my Brother Joey was visiting he bought this awesome Ice Cream maker that is a ball{literally}. We finally broke it out on Sunday after church and let the kids have some fun.

We had a blast rolling the ball back and forth and when we were done we had some really good Root Beer Ice Cream!

Football Day

2010-09-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Football Day at Sage's school and since he didn't have a Football Jersey we had to run to Target and pick one up for him. He LOVES his Jersey!

It's a Pinkalicious Kind of Day

2010-09-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Aurora and Gabby are huge fans of the book Pinkalicious. They were fighting like crazy this morning so I pulled out a cake mix and dyed it pink and baked them in some Dora cupcake wrappers then we sat down and read the book a few dozen times while the cupcakes baked.

After the timer went off we let them cool and made some pink cream cheese frosting then frosted them and had a completely un-healthy Pinkalicious lunch. There's nothing more than Pinkalicious and Dora these two love more! They haven't fought yet, but we'll see how the rest of the day goes.

Now, I've got to come up with something to distract them everyday since pink cupcakes aren't going to happen everyday.

Mom's Funeral

2010-09-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

I already posted about my Mom but never about her funeral. It was a horrible day but in ways it was a wonderful one. I have the most amazing family most of whom are more like brothers or sisters to me than cousins.

Here's the program.

Opening Song: Master the Tempest is Raging

Opening Song: Heather Vallieres

Eulogy: Debbie Spangler

Musical Number: The Test by Cula Parker, Diane Dering & Juniper Riddle

Speakers: Dan Vallieres, Joseph Vallieres and Cula Parker

Musical Number: Jake, Trever & Sid Vallieres, Sage & Aurora Parker & Jessica & Savannah Rinder

Musical Number: Spangler Sisters

Closing Remarks: Bishop Leavitt

Closing Song: I Stand all Amazed

Closing Prayer: Robert Parker

Pallbearers: Dan, Joseph, Jake, Trever & Sid Vallieres, Robert and & Sage Parker, William, Robert and Jason Bigler

My Mom loved music and wanted her funeral to be filled with it. I'm glad that she had the foresight to plan it out with me years ago.

My Mother, My Friend

2010-08-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

I've been putting off writing this because it would mean that this horrible tragedy was real and I was really trying to avoid it. Here's it goes.

Those who were close to me knew that my Mother was undergoing her third round of Chemotherapy. She had been fighting Cancer bravely for 8 years and lost her battle earlier this month on August 18th, 2010.

My mother was the most amazing woman to ever live on this planet. She was the perfect example of Christ-like love and service. She never put her needs first and always took care of others. My close friends also know that my Mother was my best friend in the world. We loved to be together and laugh together. She was there for me at the major points in my life. She would hold me and let me cry about boys who broke my heart in high school, she was there after I got engaged and when I got married. She was there when Hayden died and helped me mourn him. She was in the room with me holding my hands when both Sage & Aurora were born.

She was also Sage & Aurora's second bed. She loved to take naps with them and hold them in her chair. They knew they could always come and sit with her and most times talk her into letting them sleep there at night with her

Her favorite place to be was with her children and especially her grandchildren. They all loved her more than anything. She will me missed by our entire family and many friends.

This is the only picture I have of her with me and Aurora. She was not one who liked having her picture taken. She taught me many things and unfortunately for me I never learned to sew. I want to be just like her and hopefully one day I will be able to make her proud of me.

I miss her everyday and think of her every second of the day. In fact, she is what keeps me going.

Two Utah Trips

2010-08-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, it was a crazy 3 weeks! I traveled to Utah twice, once with my Mom and then once with Robert and the Kids.

The first trip was a Girls Trip for my Mom and I. I spent my days at the Stampin' Up! Convention and the evenings with my brother and his family. It was a great 5 days!

Me, Jenn, Megan an MJ at the Stampin' Up! Offices

Fireworks with my Brother and Nephews

For our second trip we went for Robert's Parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. It was a great weekend!

We took the kids to go see Hayden and some of Temple Square. It was so fun to see they're reaction to all the beautiful sights.

It was busy but a great 3 weeks of travel. This next year we're going to have a Staycation, I'm really looking forward to it.

Summer of Travel

2010-08-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy busy this summer. We're leaving tomorrow for our Third trip to Utah this year and Second trip this summer. Next year we're just going once. There's just been so much going on these last two months that I haven't really had time to blog about it all. I promise that when I get back I'll post all the pictures and adventures from the Summer.

Happy Birthday Sage

2010-07-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my little boy is six today! Sage has brought so much joy into our lives. I can't imagine life without him. He's growing up so fast in the last few months and I look forward to all the growing he'll do in the next year.

6 things he loves:
1. Spiderman
2. Chocolate Milk
3. Hayden & Aurora
4. His Girlfriend, Analia
5. His Grandma a.k.a. Sleeping Buddy
6. His stuffed dog Peter Parker

6 things he severely dislikes:
1. Tomatoes
2. Food touching on his plate (he gets his OCD from his momma)
3. Losing at anything
4. The Purple People Eater
5. Going to bed without a song
6. Being away from his girlfriend

Family Day

2010-07-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

We got up bright and early today and headed to Sea World to spend a few hours riding some rides and see some animals. We arrived at 9am when they opened and stayed till 11:30 just as it was getting busy. Sage and Robert rode Shipwreck Rapids, Wild Artic and Sage's personal favorite Journey to Atlantis.

Sage is defintely a roller coaster lover, just like his daddy. I'm glad he has someone to share it with.

Mormon Battalion

2010-07-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the Mormon Battalion this week and they had a blast! After we were done playing we had a picnic across the street at Heritage Park. It was a great day!

Sea World Adventures

2010-06-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

We wanted to keep busy this Summer, so all the kids got Sea World passes. Here's some pictures form our first two trips.

Our favorite part was defintely the NEW Dolphin Show BLUE HORIZONS. It's amazing!

Graduation

2010-06-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

My ~~little~~ big boy graduated from Kindergarten. I am so proud of him! Here he is with his entire class, his teacher, Mrs. Patrick and his partner in crime, Andrew.

Kindergarten Farewell

2010-06-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Sage's last full day of Kindergarten. He has come so far and learned so much in the last year, I am truly proud of all he has accomplished. He has a Class Party today and I'll be taking the Cap Pops I made yesterday to pass out to his classmates.

Here's what I made his Teacher.

Grad Cap Candy Pops

2010-06-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was blog surfing and came across THIS POST from Bakerella. I knew that I had to make them for Sage's Kindergarten Graduation Party. So today, I tackled what seemed like cake, but it turned out to be very involved and time consuming, but all in all totally worth it.

I LOVE them and am happy with how they turned out. I just hope that Sage's Teacher and Friends are happy with them.

If You Can't Beat Em'... Join Em'.

2010-06-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

Due to some comments that were linked to very inappropriate websites, I will unfortunately have to go Private as of Monday. I'm tired of monitoring these nasty comments. If you would still like to keep up with my family please send me your email address to culaparker at yahoo dot com and I will send you an invite to view it. Make sure you check your spam folder as blogger messages almost always go there. Thanks and sorry for the inconvience.

Wonderful Weekend

2010-06-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

It all started a few months ago when talking to my Bishop. He asked me if I had ever considered volunteering to work in The San Diego Temple once a month. I told him that I have always wanted to, but was never sure of how to go about it.

Fast forward to 5 weeks ago, I got a call from the Temple President's Secretary asking me to come to the Temple the next morning for an interview. At first, I freaked out and couldn't figure out why the Temple President would want to talk to me, then I remembered my conversation with the Bishop and immediately calmed down. I got up and drove to the Temple and met with the President and He asked me to serve at the Temple the First Saturday of every month from 11:30 - 5:30, I accepted.

This last Saturday June 5th was my first day. While it was a little nerve racking at first, I quickly felt at ease as soon as I met all the wonderful women with whom I would be serving with. I've only know them for two days now, but they all feel like Mother's and Friends to me.

It was an amazing experience and while there were a few incidents it was easily the best day I've ever spent in the Temple(besides my wedding day). If your ever at the San Diego Temple on the first Saturday of the month, come and find me I'd love to see you!

The weekend just got better on Sunday. I was asked last week if I could teach the 7yr. old Primary class of course I jumped at the chance. I haven't been in Primary for 2 years now and it is next to Young Women's my all time favorite place to be in Church.

I had a blast with my Class. We went on a Treasure Hunt looking for various treasures and ended with the ultimate treasure the Scriptures which represents the Gospel. We then went back to our classroom and had a great time learning and sharing our treasures with each other.

After class we went to Sharing Time where we sang songs and played a game. I was also privileged to hear the new song the children are learning this year for the Primary Program. As I sat there listening to the children I was moved to tears to hear their sweet voices singing about our Heavenly Father. CLICK HERE to listen to the song and click on the words and music mp3 for I Know That My Savior Loves Me. If you haven't heard it already I guarantee you will be in tears by the end.

I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me exactly what I needed this weekend! He truly knows us all and loves each of us more than we could ever comprehend.

Field Trip

2010-05-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Last week Sage had his very first Field Trip. It was also his very first time riding a bus. He was really looking forward to it. His class attended the local Fire Station and Museum. I was lucky enough to tag along.

His Class in front of the bus

My goofy son, thinking it was so cool that he didn't have to wear a seat belt

The firemen suited up and turned out the lights so they kids would know what to look and listen for in a real emergency.

The chief turned on the lights and sirens for the kids

Sage is just barely taller than the tire.

Sage got to show the other kids how little kids back in WWII era Lemon Grove would help out in the General Store. He thought that was so cool. He has been bugging me for a sliding ladder ever since.

Amazing!

2010-05-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Nielson is the most amazing woman. She is my role model.

Disneyland

2010-04-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Robert and I visited the Happiest Place on Earth last week and it was Amazing! It was Robert's very first trip there and one we won't ever forget. There aren't very many pictures because I'm super paranoid about strangers using our camera.

Robert walking through Toon Town

Robert and I waiting in line at Autopia

Robert being silly in Toon Town

Buzz Lightyear

Me in Sleeping Beauty's Castle

It was a GREAT overnight and whole day Date, one that we needed and really enjoyed.

Go Padres!

2010-04-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

My Dad is a huge Padres fan and has season tickets. This year he decided that he'd get one for Sage as well. The 16th was his first game. In the days leading up to the game he was so excited so we watched a few games on television so he would know what to expect.

He had a blast! I'm glad that's he's found something that he and his Grandpa both LOVE to do!

Spring Break / Easter in Utah

2010-04-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

For Easter this year we decided to go to Utah to visit friends and family.

In preperation for the trip I found these great little clipboard caddy things at Target for the kids, so they could color while we drove. They were a big hit!

As we were coming into Utah I looked over at the mountains and saw snow. I was hoping that it would stay in the mountains.

The first day we went as far as Spanish Fork, Utah where we stayed with my friend Marci and her family. The next morning which was April 1st, I awoke to the worst April Fool's joke ever....... SNOW! I'm not a fan at all but the kids LOVE it so we turned them loose outside.

Sage & Aurora had a blast hanging out with thier "cousin" Callie.

We loaded the kids up and went into Provo and saw HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, then went to visit Hayden.

The kids of course had to make a snowman for Hayden.

My 3 kids and the snowman.

Sage then started a snowball fight at the cemetary.

The next day we went to Draper for a visit to THE SWEET TOOTH FAIRY Bakery that was reccomended by Stephanie Nielson of NIENIE DIALOGUES

The cupcakes were to die for!!! The one on the top left is called the Va-NIE-lla Squared and all the proceeds go to the Nielson family to help pay for thier burn treatments.

I apologize for the flipped photo's, Blogger is being wierd.

We then went to Village Inn where Sage informed me that with crayons inbetween his fingers he's just like Wolverine.

The next day the kids had to build themselves Snowmen. Aurora insisted on a Princess Snowman, so we cut and colored paper and make a crown and bracelet

Sage insisted on a Spiderman/Pirate Snowman

The next day was Easter so we did an Egg Hunt where Sage found the golden egg. Then we went a visited Hayden one last time before leaving town to next morning.

We then found the house that once belonged to Robert's Grandpa in North Salt Lake.

One way home Monday we stopped in Scipio for gas and I saw this in the window

Only in Utah!

We stopped at Zion National Park since Robert had never been there. We drove a mile through this awesome tunnel in the mountain.

Sage & Aurora thought it was AWESOME and that Robert was the smartest Daddy ever for finding the way out of the tunnel.

I love this arch cut into the rock!

All in all it was a great trip and we had fun visiting family and playing with friends. We made lots of great memories.

Color Renovation!

2010-04-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! is in the middle of a Renovation, a Color Renovation! While I am sad to see some colors go i'm excited that somany of my beloved retired In-Colors are returning!

Here's the NEW Color Collections

Say farewell to these colors and stock up while you can!

Twilight/Wolf Girl Birthday

2010-03-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

My friend Lindsey's Birthday is today. I made her card in honor of her favorite movie's/books, Twilight.

Front:

Inside: Just in case you couldn't tell, she likes the wolves much better than the vampires. I hope she likes it.

Stenciling for Service

2010-03-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we signed up for Disney's Give a Day, Get a Day promotion. At first we were thinking... "SCORE!!! Free tickets to Disneyland for doing absolutely nothing AWESOME!" Little did we know that we'd walk away from this feeling a sense of purpose and like we can change the world.

Robert and I were able to find a service project that directly helps to keep the Ocean's clean. Sage & Aurora have come to love the beach as much as Robert and I do and so we were glad that they had a ball giving service. We met with the San Diego Ocean's Foundation for a some quick tips for spray painting the signs and they set us loose with all the supplies needed to paint signs above the Storm Drains in the San Altos, Lemon Grove, Ca area.

***Disclaimer***

Aurora looks like a little homeless child in these pictures because I was sick with walking pneumonia and didn't have the energy to do her hair.

Sage and Aurora waiting patiently for the first layer of paint to dry.

Robert painting the letters on the sign.

Sage and Aurora posing with their paint cans. They were so proud!

While we were waiting for paint to dry we talked with the kids about littering and keeping trash picked up so it doesn't get washed into the storm drains and get washed out into the Ocean where it can hurt the many animals who the Ocean, home. Sage has been talking about it non-stop and tells all his friends not to be litter-bugs, it's so cute!

We've decided to make this a bi-monthly family activity. There's a lot of storm drains out there that needs signs.

Giveaway! ~ Scroll down for newer posts!

2010-02-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

The time has come to celebrate my 2nd year with Stampin' Up!. I have loved being able to feed my stamping habit and have loved the friendships I've made through this amazing company. It's even helped to strengthen old relationships. I look forward to many more years with Stampin' Up!.

Instead of waiting a week and then drawing a name for the winner, I'm doing things a little differently this year. For every $50 in merchandise you order you'll get your name in a drawing to win this:

1 Picture This Clear Mount Stamp Set

1 Patterns Pack II Designer Paper

2 Pkgs. Heart Treat Cups

Since this is also Sale-a-bration with Stampin' Up!, for every $50 order you a FREE stamp set. Now is the time to take advantage of this amazing deal!

HURRY the drawing ends on February 28th!

In Love

2010-02-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this!

Minus the necklace of course, way too bright for me.

8 Years

2010-02-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Eight years ago today I married my best friend. We were married in the San Diego Temple on February 2, 2002 {2/2/02}. I can't imagine anyone else I'd rather have by my side for eternity!

Robert got his wish and received this:

Robert says he's set for life with gifts now. He's got one more surprise coming today. I making a ginormous chocolate chip cookie.

Robert knows me so well. All I ever want for gifts is stamps or something stamp related. He bought me the Serif Essentials Alphabet Die's for my Big Shot.

He also gave me the money to pay for Stampin' Up! Convention 2010 this Summer. So...July 21-24th I'll be in Salt Lake City at the Salt Palace having the time of my life!

Then it's off to dinner on Saturday night at Tony Roma's to celebrate.

Helping Haiti

2010-01-21T09:44:00.000-08:00

Stampin Up! Announced that we will be making a difference for the people in Haiti Please read below and also click HERE for flyer

From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set purchase will be donated American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER

BEST OF 2009

2009-12-31T09:04:00.000-08:00

2009 was a good year for us. Here's a few highlights:

January
*Sage found his one true love in Preschool. {click here}

February
*Robert and I celebrated our 7th Anniversary
*I celebrated my 1st Anniversary with Stampin' Up!
*Aurora celebrated her 2nd Birthday {click here}
*Hayden turned 6

March
*Sage started Mommy&Me Preschool and his learning took off from there. {click here}*Sage also made his first trip to Library and got a Library card.

April
*We bought a new Camera after our old one died
*I started a Blog for Hayden {click here}

May
*Aurora but right through her lip {click here}

June
*The kids and I took a trip to Utah {click here}
*Sage & Aurora learned the dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller

July
*I went to Stake Girls Camp as a Stake Leader, AWESOME!!!!
*Sage celebrated his 5th Birthday {click here}

August
*I went and saw WICKED twice, it was amazing!
*Sage started Kindergarten {click here}

September
*Stampin' Up! released the most amazing product, My Digital Studio
*Aurora got her first haircut {click here}
*While browsing some SU! Demo Blogs of the Display Boards from Convention, I realized that
one of my cards was on display for 6,000+ SU! Demo's see. {click here}

October
*My Mom & I took a trip to Utah for 3 days with NO KIDS
*Sage enjoyed his first Mommy/Daddy date {click here}
*I celebrated my 28th Birthday

November
*I went and saw THIS IS IT {click here}
*Robert celebrated his 34th Birthday, complete with a Twilight themed birthday card {click here}
*I saw NEW MOON, twice! {click here} Holy Hot Vampire Batman!
*We had 14 people over for Thanksgiving Dinner, none of which are related to us.

December
*I made my first gift with My Digital Studio, a calendar for my Mother-In-Law
*We had an amazing Christmas!

We had a great year and we look forward to what 2010 brings us.

The White Rose

2009-12-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been struggling with how to include Hayden in our Family Pictures. I know that he's gone but he still very much a part of our Family and I want to be able to look back on pictures and see him as well as Sage and Aurora.

Today, as I was browsing my favorite Blogs I found my answer. The Call Family{CLICK HERE} has started this amazing Tradition, and I've decided to use it as well. From now on every Family Picture will include a single white rose. I am so excited to start this Tradition with this years Christmas Photos.

CLICK HERE to visit Hayden's Blog and read the Story of The White Rose.

Just 3 Words!

2009-11-21T23:07:00.000-08:00

I have just three words for you....

HOLY VAMPIRE HOTNESS!!!

Thirty-Four

2009-11-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

Today is Robert's 34th Birthday. I can't believe it's been 8 1/2 years since we met. Anyone who really knows Robert knows that he really hates to have his picture taken, even more than I do. It's really hard to get good pictures of him because he insists on making goofy faces, closing his eyes or keeping his sunglasses on.

Happy Birthday Robert/Daddy! We love you very much and hope that you have an awesome day and that us surprising you at work didn't cause too much trauma. If you see him today please wish him a Happy Birthday.

Twilight Birthday

2009-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

My good friend Marissa bought me these Bella & Edward stamps for my birthday last month and sadly they haven't seen ink. I think I was waiting for the perfect project. Today, I found it. Robert's Birthday Card. Now you are probably thinking "Why would Cula make Robert a Twilight themed birthday card?" Well, here's your answer... I love Twilight, therefore Robert has to deal with all things Twilight.

Here's the card:
Here's the inside

I normally don't add anything to the inside of my cards but I couldn't help myself. Let me explain; last year when I was caught up in the Twilight Frenzy along with the rest of the world, Robert was making fun of Twilight Vampires and how instead of bursting into flames when they step into the sun, they sparkle like diamonds. He then proceeded to stand in front on the large picture window in our dining room and pull up his shirt and say "Am I Sparkling?". He had me on the floor laughing so hard.

As payback for making fun of me, he now had to deal with anything Twilight I do for him.

Daddy, We Got You Wolverine!

2009-11-18T16:49:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night I took Sage with me to Target to buy him some new school shoes as well as Robert's Birthday present. Robert has been wanting the movie X-Men Origin's Wolverine movie ever since it came out, so Sage and I decided to pick it up for Robert.

We also decided to get him an iTunes gift card to feed his music obsession.

While in the store and all the way home I kept telling Sage not to tell his Daddy about the presents we just bought because it was a surprise for his Daddy's Birthday. He promised he wouldn't but as soon we got out of the van and into the house, he proudly announced to Robert that he couldn't tell him about the Wolverine Movie and iTunes card because it was a secret for his birthday. Needless to say the surprise was ruined but seriously if your gonna have your birthday surprise ruined isn't that the way you'd want it to happen?

Zip Line

2009-11-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

Sage loves the Zip Line at the local park, because it makes him feel like Spiderman.

This Is It

2009-11-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Kelley and I went and saw This Is It. It was AMAZING! I will be buying it as soon as it is released on DVD. My favorite parts were Thriller, Smooth Criminal and They Don't Care About Us.

Here's some of my favorite shots from the film.

You Are Not Alone

Smooth Criminal
They did this awesome thing were they put Michael into an old Black & White movie with Humphrey Bogart. It was really cool.

The Way You Make Me Feel

More Smooth Criminal Awesomeness

I would have loved to attend this concert. It's such a shame that Michael had to die, the music world will never be the same. No one is as genius or amazing as Michael Jackson!

Spiderman & Fairy

2009-11-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

Wow... this post is way over due! Sage of course had to be Spiderman for Halloween. Aurora still doesn't really care so I got to pick her costume{I don't think I'll get to do that ever again}. My Mom made her a fairy dress. They both LOVED their costumes and continue to wear them around the house.

Farewell

2009-11-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

I was released from my church calling today. I have come to truly love the Young Women in our ward not only as girls but as my own Daughters. I will forever be grateful to the girls in our ward for the lessons they have taught me. I have enjoyed teaching them each week and will miss being apart of the Young Women's organization. I look forward to our Trampoline Sleepovers and Chick-Flick Movie Nights.

Flash Back Friday - Vandalism

2009-11-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

Okay... so this flashback isn't too far back, but it's still in the past.

Last week on my birthday I went to Young Women's and during the activity Kelley, Lillian and Lindsey snuck out and decorated(vandalized) my van. They heped make my birthday a memorable one. I love my girls so much!

Box Girl - Aurora

2009-11-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

Aurora LOVES boxes of all shapes and sizes, give her a box and she'll entertain herself and anyone around her for hours.

Adopted Family

2009-11-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

Sage has adopted his own little family. He met Analia at Preschool Last year and they continue to be the best of friends. Sage also loves Analia's brother Adrian so much that he calls him his brother.

Sage told me last week that he wanted to Marry Analia when he grows up. It was soooo cute and I would love to have Analia as my Daughter-In-Law. Her Mother and I have accepted the fact that these two will be inseparable for the rest of their lives and we'd love to be related!

Sage, Analia & Adrian

at their School's Fall Festival

Spiderman & MJ

2009-10-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Sage has this fascination with all things Spiderman. He would watch the movies 24/7 if I let him. We were playing and being silly on Sunday night after dinner, I was Dr. Octopus, Sandman, and the Green Goblin and Sage was flinging his Spiderman webs at me, then he decided to pretend is was MaryJane and then proceeded to lift up his mask above his mouth and kiss me just like Spiderman and MaryJane kiss in the movie.

At least he's got a good imagination right?

28 Reasons Why I Love Cula

2009-10-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone. As you might know today is Cula's 28th Birthday. In honor of my amazing Wife I decided to make a rare appearance and tell you all the top 28 reasons why I love her.

28. The way she laughs
27. The way she squeals when I surprise her
26. The way her smile makes me want to smile
25. How organized she is
24. The way she giggles
23. How she makes me laugh harder than I ever have before
22. How much she loves her immediate and extended family
21. How passionate she is about reading
20. Her warped sense of humor
19. How creative she is
18. How strong her testimony is
17. How she always calls me on the carpet when I've got an attitude
16. How she doesn't take attitude from anyone
15. How giving and loving she is
14. How she took such good care of her Mom while she underwent Chemo
13. How dedicated she is to her Church callings
12. How she drop whatever she's doing to help or be there for the Young Women in our Ward.
11. The way she stands by me, no matter what I've done
10. Her ability to stand up for what she believes, no matter the cost
9. How she actually gets down on the floor and REALLY plays with the kids
8. How much she loves me, even though I don't deserve it
7. How much she loves all of our Children
6. How she makes sure the kids know about Hayden, so they don't forget him
5. How much she loves and thinks about Hayden everyday
4. How she makes me want to be a better Husband and Father
3. How beautiful she is even though she doesn't see it
2. How she makes sure the kids and I know how much she loves us
1. How I fall more and more in love with her everyday

I'm so glad that Cula moved to Salt Lake City and that we were able to meet. I truly believe that she is my soul mate and I would be lost without her. I don't know what I did to deserve her. She is the most amazing woman I know.

Love,

Robert

What's in a Name?

2009-10-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

When I found out that I was Pregnant with Hayden, I started thinking of names. Robert and I went to the Library and checked out every book about baby names. We went back and forth between so many names for the first 3 months. At first we really liked Brennan and Matthew for first names. We had his middle name picked out already.

One day while Robert was at work I was home watching TV when a re-run of Coach came on and I heard one of the character's talking to the main character who's name was Hayden Fox played by Craig T. Nelson. I knew then and there that I wanted to name my Son Hayden Andrew.

When he was born, I took one look at him and knew that this was still the right name for him. He will always be my little Coach.

This picture was taken a few weeks ago when I went to visit Hayden.

FB Friday - Girls Night

2009-10-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

Today's flashback features two of my best friends. We wanted a Girl's Day while our husband's went paint balling, so we got together to make all the chocolate desserts for out first annual chocolate party that was held in April of 2006.

Diane & Juniper

New Blog Schedule

2009-10-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Some of you have asked why I don't have two separate blogs anymore. The answer is simple, I have a hard enough keeping up my Family Blog that remembering to stamp something for Craft Blog is too much for my brain to handle.

I have recently decided that my Blog is too much one(family) or the other(crafts), so to help me with that I'm making a few changes to my blogging schedule. Here is the NEW and improved schedule for my blogging. Hopefully it will bring more balance to my Blog.

Monday - Family (this will always be about my Family)
Tuesday - Hand Stamped Inspiration (this could be something I've made or something I've seen somewhere that I feel like sharing.
Wednesday - Sage or Aurora Spotlight (something about my adorable kiddos)
Thursday - Cula's Color Challenge (I will post 4 colors that you can use to create a card, scrapbook page or anything else you desire, all entries will be compiled and a winner will be randomly selected at the end of each month, the more entries you have to better your chances are at winning. You will have until the following Wednesday at midnight to post you entry)
Friday - Family Flashback Friday (this could be anyone in my family)

Sage's Day Out

2009-10-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago Robert and I took Sage to see Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3-D. It was his reward for having a great week at school. I thought he would love it since they are his all-time favorite movies, he was soooooo excited to be there and I think we made his lifetime.

Sage eagerly awaiting the start of the movie

Daddy, Sage and Mommy

Robert & Sage

Sage in his 3-D glasses

It was a great experience and one that I hope Sage won't soon forget. I know that I will always treasure that day.

Beach Bums

2009-08-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we decided to take the kids to the beach to celebrate Sage starting school the next week. Normally the kids are afraid of the water and Aurora is afraid of the sand, that all changed this time. The kids had tons of fun playing in the sand.

and building sand castles with kelp for the flags.

Sage then decided that we needed to bury Robert in the sand.

After seeing how much fun it was, Sage decided that he wanted to be buried in the sand.

Then much to my amazement Aurora decided she wanted to be buried. She flipped out though once she was completely buried.

After all that Aurora got brave and stepped out into the sand and never looked back. She finally realized what she had been missing.

It was a wonderful evening at the beach, full of firsts for the kids and lots of fun memories for our family.

First Day of School

2009-08-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

The First day of School has arrived! I've been dreading and awaiting this day for months. I'm very excited for Sage but still sad to see my baby off to school. He on the other hand isn't sad at all and wanted nothing more than to be at school. I had to ask him three times to give me a hug.

Here he is on the deck this morning with him backpack and lunch box.

Here he is in front of his classroom.

Here he is reading book at his desk waiting for school to start.

I miss him so much! For the first 5 days he gets out early, so I'll be there waiting outside his classroom.

Forgiveness

2009-08-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

This week my Young Women's lesson is on Forgiveness. I made up these cute little S'mores kits for the girls.

(click to enlarge)

The tag reads:

"And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

We must forgive S'more & S'more.

Wicked!

2009-08-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday a bunch of us Wicked Fanatic's went to go see Wicked. It was amazing! I only came home with the Souvenir Program, a Mug, Fridge Magnet, and Elphaba Keychain.

Me in front of the poster.

A map of OZ

I was bad and snapped a picture during the Popular Scene.

It was such a great show and I can't wait to see it again!